Systems and methods for IP communication over a distributed antenna system transport

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for IP communication over a distributed antenna system transport are provided. In one embodiment, a method for providing Ethernet connectivity over a distributed antenna system comprises receiving internet protocol (IP) formatted data from an internet protocol device coupled to a remote unit of a distributed antenna system; sampling wireless radio frequency (RF) signals received at the remote unit to produce digitized RF samples; generating a serial data stream for output to a host unit of the distributed antenna system, the serial data stream further comprising a multiple-timeslot communication frame providing a first partition of bandwidth for transporting the digitized RF samples and a second partition of bandwidth for implementing an Ethernet pipe for transporting the IP formatted data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/144,255 filed on Jan. 13, 2009 which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/144,257 filed on Jan. 13, 2009 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORMOBILE PHONE LOCATION WITH DIGITAL DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS”, andwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/555,923, filed on even date herewith, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR MOBILE PHONE LOCATION WITH DIGITAL DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS”, andwhich is referred to herein as the '1075 application and is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A Distributed Antenna System, or DAS, is a network of spatiallyseparated antenna nodes connected to a common node via a transportmedium that provides wireless service within a geographic area orstructure. Common wireless communication system configurations employ ahost unit as the common node, which is located at a centralized location(for example, at a facility that is controlled by a wireless serviceprovider). The antenna nodes and related broadcasting and receivingequipment, located at a location that is remote from the host unit (forexample, at a facility or site that is not controlled by the wirelessservice provider), are also referred to as “remote units.” Radiofrequency (RF) signals are communicated between the host unit and one ormore remote units. In such a DAS, the host unit is typicallycommunicatively coupled to one or more base stations (for example, viawired connection or via wireless connection) which allow bidirectionalcommunications between wireless subscriber units within the DAS servicearea and communication networks such as, but not limited to, cellularphone networks, the public switch telephone network (PSTN) and theInternet. A DAS can thus provide, by its nature, an infrastructurewithin a community that can scatter remote units across a geographicarea thus providing wireless services across that area.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the specification, there is a need in the art for systemsand methods for facilitation of supplemental data communication over adistributed antenna system transport.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention can be more easily understood andfurther advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, whenconsidered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments andthe following figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a distributed antenna system (DAS) of oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote unit of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a host unit of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a superframe structure of one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of one embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to thepresent invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughoutfigures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the present invention provide point-to-point Ethernetconnections (100 Base-T, for example) between elements of a distributedantenna system by adapting the digital radio frequency (RF) transportmedium to further carry internet protocol data traffic simultaneouslywith the RF traffic. Embodiments of the present invention enableinstallation of internet protocol devices at remote locations (forexample, to extend a Local Area Network (LAN)/IP network into remoteareas, or establish various services at remote locations that benefitfrom having IP network connectivity). Internet protocol devices may thusinclude networking devices such as switches, routers, and wirelessaccess points (for WiFi, WiMAX, LTE, for example) or cameras, sensors,audio and/or video devices for security, distributing announcements,warnings or advertising. In one embodiment, the Internet Protocol deviceis a mobile phone locator such as described in the '1075 applicationherein incorporated by reference. One of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this specification would thus realize that such internetconnectivity allows utilization of the remote facilities of adistributed antenna system to provide functions beyond that related tothe principal RF functions of the system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a distributed antenna system (DAS) 100 ofone embodiment of the present invention. DAS 100 includes a host unit102 and a plurality of remote units 106. At the physical layer, hostunits 102 and remote units 106 are interconnected via fiber optic cableas indicated in FIG. 1 to form a bidirectional communication linknetwork comprising a plurality of point-to-point communication linksshown at 130. Optionally, host units 102 and remote units 106 may beinterconnected via coaxial cable, or a combination of both coaxial cableand fiber optic cable. Further, host units 102 and remote units 106 maybe interconnected via wireless technology such as, but not limited to,microwave and e-band communication.

Remote units 106 each house electronic devices and systems used forwirelessly transmitting and receiving modulated radio frequency (RF)communications via antenna 107 with one or more mobile subscriber units108. Host unit 102 is coupled to at least one base transceiver station(BTS) 110 often referred to as a base station. BTS 110 communicatesvoice and other data signals between the respective host unit 102 and alarger communication network via a gateway 124 coupled to a telephonesystem network 122 (for example, the public switched telephone networkand/or wireless service provider networks) and an internet protocol (IP)network 124, such as the Internet. In one embodiment, DAS 100 comprisespart of a cellular telephone network and subscriber units 108 arecellular telephones.

Downlink RF signals are received from the BTS 110 at the host unit 102,which the host unit 102 uses to generate one or more downlink transportsignals for transmitting to one or more of the remote units 106. Eachsuch remote unit 106 receives at least one downlink transport signal andreconstructs the downlink RF signals from the downlink transport signaland causes the reconstructed downlink RF signals to be radiated from aremote antenna 107 coupled to or included in that remote unit 106. Asimilar process is performed in the uplink direction. Uplink RF signalsreceived at one or more remote units 106 from subscriber 108 are used togenerate respective uplink transport signals that are transmitted fromthe respective remote units 106 to the host unit 102. The host unit 102receives and combines the uplink transport signals transmitted from themultiple remote units 106. The host unit 102 communicates the combineduplink RF signals to the BTS 110 over a broadband medium.

DAS 100 comprises a digital DAS transport meaning that the downlink anduplink transport signals transmitted between host unit 102 and remoteunits 106 over communication links 130 are generated by digitizing thedownlink and uplink RF signals, respectively. In other words, thedownlink and uplink transport signals are not analog RF signals butinstead are digital data signals representing digital RF samples of amodulated RF signal. For example, if a particular communication signaldestined for transmission to subscriber unit 108 is a modulated RFsignal in the 900 MHz band, then host unit 102 will generate basebanddigital samples of the modulated 900 MHz RF signal from BTS 110, whichare then distributed by host unit 102 to the remote units 106.Alternatively, an all-digital BTS may generate baseband digital samplesdirectly. At the remote units, the digital samples of the modulated RFsignal are converted from digital into an analog RF signal to bewirelessly radiated from the antennas 107. In the uplink analog RFsignals received at remote unit 106 are sampled to generate RF datasamples for the uplink transport signals. BTS 110, host unit 102 andremote units 106 each accommodate processing communication signals formultiple bands and multiple modulate schemes simultaneously. In additionto communicating the downlink and uplink transport RF signals, thedigital transport between host unit 102 and each remote units 106includes sufficient bandwidth (that is, in excess of what is necessaryto transport the digitized RF data samples) to implement an Ethernetpipe (100 Base-T) between each remote unit 106 and the host unit 102 forfacilitating supplemental Internet Protocol formatted datacommunications. In one embodiment, the Ethernet pipe provides abandwidth of at least 100M bits/sec.

It is understood in the art that RF signals are often transported atintermediate frequencies (IF) or baseband. Therefore, within the contextof this application, the terms “digital RF”, “digitized RF data”,“digital RF signal”, “digital RF samples”, “digitized RF samples” and“digitized RF signals” are understood to include signals converted to IFand baseband frequencies.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote unit 200 of one embodiment of thepresent invention such as the remote units 106 discussed with respect toFIG. 1. Remote unit 200 includes a serial radio frequency (SeRF) module220, a digital to analog radio frequency transceiver (DART) module 208,a remote DART interface board (RDI) 224, a linear power amplifier 210,antenna 212, a duplexer 211, a low noise amplifier 214 and an InternetProtocol device (IPD) 216. In one embodiment, SeRF modules and DARTmodules and Internet Protocol (IP) devices described herein are realizedusing discrete RF components, FPGAs, ASICs, digital signal processing(DSP) boards, or similar devices.

DART module 208 provides bi-directional conversion between analog RFsignals and digital sampled RF for the downlink and uplink transportsignals transmitted between host unit 102 and remote units 106. In theuplink, DART module 208 receives an incoming analog RF signal fromsubscriber unit 108 and samples the analog RF signal to generate adigital data signal for use by SeRF module 220. Antenna 212 receives thewireless RF signal from subscriber 108 which passes the RF signal toDART module 208 via low noise amplifier 214. In the downlink directionDART module 208 receives digital sampled RF data from SeRF module 220,up converts the sampled RF data to a broadcast frequency, and convertsthe digital RF samples to analog RF for wireless transmission. After asignal is converted to an analog RF signal by DART module 208, theanalog RF signal is sent to linear power amplifier 210 for broadcast viaantenna 212. Linear power amplifier 210 amplifies the RF signal receivedfrom DART module 208 for output through duplexer 211 to antenna 212.Duplexer 211 provides duplexing of the signal which is necessary toconnect transmit and receive signals to a common antenna 212. In oneembodiment, low noise amplifier 214 is integrated into duplexer 211. Oneof ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification wouldappreciate that DART modules may function to optionally convert thedigital RF samples into intermediate frequency (IF) samples instead of,or in addition to, baseband digital samples.

DART modules in a remote unit are specific for a particular frequencyband. A single DART module operates over a defined band regardless ofthe modulation technology being used. Thus frequency band adjustments ina remote unit can be made by replacing a DART module covering onefrequency band with a DART module covering a different frequency band.For example, in one implementation DART module 208 is designed totransmit 850 MHz cellular transmissions. As another example, in anotherimplementation DART module 208 transmits 1900 MHz PCS signals. Some ofthe other options for a DART module 208 include, but are not limited to,Nextel 800 band, Nextel 900 band, PCS full band, PCS half band, BRS,WiMax, Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the European GSM 900, GSM 1800,and UMTS 2100. By allowing different varieties of DART modules 208 to beplugged into RDI 224, remote unit 200 is configurable to any of theabove frequency bands and technologies as well as any new technologiesor frequency bands that are developed. Also, a single remote unit may beconfigured to operate over multiple bands by possessing multiple DARTmodules. The present discussion applies to such multiple band remoteunits, even though the present examples focuses on a the operation of asingle DART module for simplicity.

SeRF module 220 is coupled to RDI 224. RDI 224 has a plurality ofconnectors each of which is configured to receive a pluggable DARTmodule 208 and connect DART module 208 to SeRF module 220. RDI 224 is acommon interface that is configured to allow communication between SeRFmodule 220 and different varieties of DART modules 208. In thisembodiment, RDI 204 is a passive host backplane to which SeRF module 220also connects. In another embodiment, instead of being a host backplane,RDI 224 is integrated with SeRF module 220. When a remote unit operatesover multiple bands by possessing multiple DART modules, RDI 224provides separate connection interfaces allowing each DART module tocommunicate RF data samples with SeRF module 220. Although FIG. 2illustrates a single SeRF module connected to a single RDI, embodimentsof the present invention are not limited to such. In alternateembodiments, a SeRF module may connect to multiple RDIs, each of whichcan connect to multiple DARTS. For example, in one embodiment, a SeRFmodule can connect to up to 3 RDIs, each of which can connect to up to 2DARTs. SeRF module 220 provides bi-directional conversion between aserial stream of RF, IF or baseband data samples (a SeRF stream) and ahigh speed optical serial data stream. In the uplink direction, SeRFmodule 220 receives an incoming SeRF stream from DART modules 208 andsends a serial optical data stream over communication links 130 to hostunit 102. In the downlink direction, SeRF module 220 receives an opticalserial data stream from host unit 102 and provides a SeRF stream to DARTmodules 208.

Remote unit 200 further includes an internet protocol device (IPD) 216.IPD 216 is coupled to SeRF module 220 via an interface 222 that providesbidirectional access to a point-to-point Ethernet pipe establishedbetween remote unit 200 and the host unit 102 over the serial opticaldata stream. In one embodiment, interface 222 is a receptacle for astandard 8 Position 8 Contact (8P8C) modular plug and category 5/5ecable.

IPD 216 may include any device designed to network using an Ethernetconnection. For example, IPD 216 may comprise a networking devices sucha switch, router, and/or wireless access point (for WiFi or WiMAX, forexample). In another implementation, IPD 216 is a data collection devicesuch as a weather station collecting weather related data such as, butnot limited to, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed anddirection, precipitation, and the like. In still other implementations,IPD 216 may include any number of other data collection devices such asa surveillance camera, a motion, heat or vibration sensor or asubscriber unit locator. IPD 216 formats data it collects fortransmission over an internet protocol (IP) connection and then outputsthe data to the SeRF module 220 via interface 222 which in turn routesdata over the Ethernet pipe to the host unit 102. In anotherimplementation, IPD 216 is a data distribution device for distributingannouncements, warnings or advertising. As such, IPD 216 may comprise apublic announcement load speaker, sirens, or liquid crystal diode (LCD)display. Further IPD may support two way interactive messaging, chat,tele/video conferencing applications, and the like.

Although FIG. 2 (discussed above) illustrates a single DART modulecoupled to a SeRF module, a single remote unit housing may operate overmultiple bands and thus include multiple DART modules. In one suchembodiment, the systems illustrated in FIG. 2 would simply be replicatedonce for each band. In one alternate embodiment, a SeRF module alsoallows multiple DART modules to operate in parallel to communicate highspeed optical serial data streams over a communication link with thehost unit. In one such embodiment a SeRF module actively multiplexes thesignals from multiple DART modules (each DART module processing adifferent RF band) such that they are sent simultaneously over a singletransport communication link. In one embodiment a SeRF module presents aclock signal to each DART module to which it is coupled to ensuresynchronization.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a host unit (shown generally at300) of one embodiment of the present invention such as the host unit102 discussed with respect to FIG. 1. Multiple remote units 306 arecoupled to host unit 300, as described with respect to FIG. 1, to form adigital DAS. Host unit 300 includes a host unit digital to analog radiofrequency transceiver (DART) module 308 and a host unit serial radiofrequency (SeRF) module 320. SeRF module 320 provides bi-directionalconversion between a serial stream of RF data samples (a SeRF stream)and the multiple high speed optical serial data streams to and from theremote units 306. Each serial optical data stream includes a digitaltransport for communicating downlink and uplink transport RF signals aswell as an Ethernet pipe between each remote unit 306 and host unit 300.In the uplink direction, SeRF module 320 receives incoming serialoptical data streams from a plurality of remote units and converts eachinto a serial stream of digitized baseband RF data samples, which aresummed into a broadband stream of RF data samples. DART module 308provides a bi-directional interface between SeRF module 320 and one ormore base stations, such as BTS 110. As with the remote units, when hostunit 320 operates over multiple bands with multiple base stations, aseparate DART module 308 is provided for each frequency band. In oneembodiment, host unit 300 also maintains an Ethernet pipe with at leastone base station (such as BTS 110) which provides access to at least oneInternet gateway.

Host unit 300 further includes an Ethernet port interface 324 forcoupling an Internet Protocol Device (IPD) 330 to SeRF module 320 via anEthernet link 325. Ethernet link 325 may include a local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN) having at least one network switch forrouting data between interface 324 and IPD 330. Alternatively, IPD 330may be an internet switch, router, or any of the IP devices discussedabove with respect to IPD 216. Ethernet port interface 324 providesaccess to the Ethernet Pipes established between host unit 300 and oneor more of the multiple remote units 306. In one embodiment, a single 8Position 8 Contact (8P8C) modular plug Ethernet port interface 324provides access for communication via a virtual Ethernet connection witheach multiple remote unit's Ethernet port interface (such as interface222). In an alternate embodiment, Ethernet port interface 324 providesmultiple 8 Position 8 Contact (8P8C) modular plug connection pointswhich each form a point-to-point virtual Ethernet connection with aspecific one of the multiple remote units 306.

Referring back to FIG. 2, it can be seen that for upstreamcommunications, IP data received via interface 222 and digitized RF datafrom DART module 208 are both pushed into SeRF 220 which produces theuplink transport signal that is communicated to the host unit 120 viacommunication links 130. In doing so, SeRF 220 performs multiplexing inthe time domain to route both the IP data and the RF data into timeslots within frames communicated to host unit 120. In downstreamcommunications, SeRF 220 de-multiplexes IP data and RF data from withinframes received from host unit 120. RF data is routed to the DART module208 while IP data is routed to Ethernet interface 222. In the host unit300 illustrated in FIG. 3, the host unit SeRF 320 similarly multiplexesand de-multiplexes IP data and RF data (via communication links 130) toroute IP data to and from interface 324 and RF data to and from the hostunit DART 308.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a superframe 400, which may be usedfor either upstream or downstream communications between remote units106 and host unit 102 via communication links 130. The particularsuperframe 400 shown comprises 12 frames (shown at 420-1 to 420-12) witheach frame divided into 16 timeslots (shown generally at 410). One ofordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification wouldappreciate that this particular configuration of 12 frames of 16timeslots is for illustrative purposes only and that embodiments of thepresent invention may be practiced with superframes having differentnumbers of frames and timeslots.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each RF data samplecarried over the digital transport of the DAS utilizes 15 of 16available bits within a single timeslot (shown generally at 412, forexample). In one embodiment, the SeRF module 220 multiplexes IP datainto the remaining bits of each time slot. That is, for each timeslotcarrying RF data, SeRF fills the 16^(th) bit with IP data. The SeRFmodule assembling superframe 400 thus utilizes the remaining overhead ineach time slot to transport the IP data along with the RF data sample.In other embodiments, the ratio and/or number of bits used to carry anRF data sample verses the total number of available bits per timeslotmay vary. For example, in an alternate embodiment, an RF data sample mayutilize 17 of 18 available bits in a timeslot. The SeRF may then fillthe 18^(th) bit with IP data. In another alternate embodiment, an RFdata sample may utilize 15 of 18 available bits in a timeslot. The SeRFmay then fill one or all of the 16^(th), 17^(th), and/or 18^(th) bitswith IP data.

At the receiving end of the communication link, the SeRF modulereceiving superframe 400 accordingly separates the IP data from eachtimeslot to reassemble standard IP data packets. It is not necessarythat every timeslot of every frame will carry RF data. In other words,in some implementations, some timeslot of superframe 400 will not beutilized to carry RF data. This may occur where the bandwidth capacityof a particular communication link exceeds the bandwidth demand of aparticular remote unit. In those cases, the SeRF module assemblingsuperframe 400 may alternately multiplex IP data onto otherwiseunutilized timeslots of superframe 400.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of one embodiment of thepresent invention. The method begins at 510 with receiving data from aninternet protocol device, the data formatted for transport via aninternet protocol network (IP data) at a remote unit of a distributedantenna system. The method proceeds to 520 with converting analog RFsignals received at the remote unit into digitized RF samples. Themethod proceeds to 530 with multiplexing the IP data with the digitizedRF samples into frames for transmission to a host unit of thedistributed antenna system. In one embodiment, multiplexing the IP datawith the digitized RF samples into frames is achieved by insertingdigitized RF samples into timeslots and then multiplexing the IP datainto remaining bits within each time slot. For example, where each RFdata sample is 15 bits and each timeslot has a capacity of 16 bits, themethod utilizes 15 of 16 available bits within a timeslot to carry theRF data sample and multiplexes IP data into the remaining 16^(th) bitsof each timeslot. The method then proceeds to 540 with transmitting asuperframe to the host unit, the superframe comprising timeslotscarrying the IP data with the digitized RF samples.

Several means are available to implement the systems and methods of thecurrent invention as discussed in this specification. In addition to anymeans discussed above, these means include, but are not limited to,digital computer systems, microprocessors, programmable controllers,field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs). Therefore other embodiments of the presentinvention are program instructions resident on computer readable mediawhich when implemented by such controllers, enable the controllers toimplement embodiments of the present invention. Computer readable mediainclude devices such as any physical form of computer memory, includingbut not limited to punch cards, magnetic disk or tape, any optical datastorage system, flash read only memory (ROM), non-volatile ROM,programmable ROM (PROM), erasable-programmable ROM (E-PROM), randomaccess memory (RAM), or any other form of permanent, semi-permanent, ortemporary memory storage system or device. Program instructions include,but are not limited to computer-executable instructions executed bycomputer system processors and hardware description languages such asVery High Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) Hardware Description Language(VHDL).

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This applicationis intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentinvention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1. A distributed antenna system, the system comprising: a host unit; atleast one remote unit for wirelessly communicating with one or moresubscriber units, the at least one remote unit coupled to the host unitover a point-to-point communication link, wherein the at least oneremote unit receives uplink radio frequency (RF) signals from the one ormore subscriber units and samples the uplink radio frequency signals togenerate digitized RF data, the at least one remote unit furthercomprising an Ethernet interface for receiving Internet Protocol (IP)formatted data; and an internet protocol device coupled to the Ethernetinterface; wherein the at least one remote unit outputs a serial datastream to the host unit, the serial data stream comprising a bandwidthhaving a first partition for transporting the digitized RF data to thehost unit and a second partition implementing an Ethernet pipe fortransporting the IP formatted data received via the Ethernet interface;wherein the serial data stream comprises a multiple-timeslotcommunication frame, the first partition for transporting the digitizedRF data to the host unit comprises a first partition of bits within atimeslot of the multiple-timeslot communication frame and the secondpartition implementing an Ethernet pipe comprises a second partition ofbits within the timeslot.
 2. The distributed antenna system of claim 1,wherein the at least one remote unit multiplexes the IP formatted datareceived via the Ethernet interface and the digitized RF data intotimeslots of the serial data stream.
 3. The distributed antenna systemof claim 1, the at least one remote unit further comprising at least onedigital to analog radio frequency transceiver module for generating adigital radio frequency signal from an analog radio frequency signalreceived from the one or more subscriber units; and a serial radiofrequency module coupled to receive the digital radio frequency signalfrom the at least one digital to analog radio frequency transceivermodule, the serial radio frequency module performing multiplexing in thetime domain to route both the IP formatted data and the digitized RFdata into time slots within frames communicated to the host unit.
 4. Thedistributed antenna system of claim 3, wherein the digitized RF signalis a baseband digital radio frequency signal.
 5. The distributed antennasystem of claim 1, wherein the Ethernet interface for receiving the IPformatted data comprises an eight-position eight-contact modular plug.6. The distributed antenna system of claim 1, wherein the secondpartition implementing an Ethernet pipe further comprises at least onetimeslot of the multiple-timeslot communication frame that does notcarry digitized RF signal data.
 7. The distributed antenna system ofclaim 1, the host unit further comprising: a host serial radio frequencymodule receiving the serial stream from the at least one remote unit thehost serial radio frequency module de-multiplexes the digitized RF dataand the IP formatted data from the serial stream and routes the IPformatted data to an Ethernet interface at the host unit.
 8. Thedistributed antenna system of claim 1, wherein the at least one remoteunit inputs a downlink serial data stream from the host unit, thedownlink serial data stream comprising a bandwidth having a firstpartition for transporting downlink digitized RF data to the at leastone remote unit and a second partition implementing an Ethernet pipe fortransporting the downlink IP formatted data for output via the Ethernetinterface.
 9. A method for providing Ethernet connectivity over adistributed antenna system, the method comprising: receiving internetprotocol (IP) formatted data from an internet protocol device coupled toa remote unit of a distributed antenna system; sampling wireless radiofrequency (RF) signals received at the remote unit to produce digitizedRF samples; and generating a serial data stream for output to a hostunit of the distributed antenna system, the serial data stream furthercomprising a multiple-timeslot communication frame providing a firstpartition of bandwidth for transporting the digitized RF samples and asecond partition of bandwidth for implementing an Ethernet pipe fortransporting the IP formatted data; wherein generating the serial datastream further comprises multiplexing the digitized RF data into a firstset of bits within a timeslot of the multiple-timeslot communicationframe and multiplexing the IP formatted data into a second set of bitswithin said timeslot of the multiple-timeslot communication frame. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein generating the serial data stream furthercomprises: multiplexing the IP data with the digitized RF samples intotimeslots of the multiple-timeslot communication frame.
 11. The methodof claim 9, wherein receiving internet protocol IP formatted datafurther comprises receiving the IP formatted data via an eight-positioneight-contact modular plug.
 12. The method of claim 9, whereingenerating the serial data stream further comprises: multiplexing the IPformatted data into a second set of timeslots of the multiple-timeslotcommunication frame, wherein the second set of timeslots do not carrydigitized RF signal data.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising:receiving the serial stream at the host unit; de-multiplexing thedigitized RF data and the IP formatted data from the serial stream; androuting the IP formatted data to an Ethernet interface at the host unit.14. A remote unit for a distributed antenna system, the remote unitcomprising: at least one digital to analog radio frequency transceivermodule for generating a digital radio frequency signal from an analogradio frequency signal received from one or more subscriber units; atleast one internet protocol device; and a serial radio frequency modulecoupled to receive the digital radio frequency signal from the at leastone digital to analog radio frequency transceiver module, the serialradio frequency module further comprising an Ethernet interface forcommunicating Internet Protocol (IP) formatted data with the at leastone internet protocol device; wherein the serial radio frequency modulecommunicating with a host unit via an upstream serial data stream and adownstream serial data stream; the upstream serial data streamcomprising a multiple-timeslot communication frame having a firstpartition for transporting the digital radio frequency signal and asecond partition implementing an Ethernet pipe for transporting upstreamIP formatted data received via the Ethernet interface; wherein theserial radio frequency module multiplexes IP formatted data received viathe Ethernet interface and the digital radio frequency signal intotimeslots of the upstream serial data stream; wherein the firstpartition for transporting the digital radio frequency signal comprisesa first set of bits within a timeslot of the multiple-timeslotcommunication frame and the second partition implementing an Ethernetpipe comprises a second set of bits within the timeslot.
 15. The remoteunit of claim 14, wherein the serial radio frequency moduledemultiplexes IP formatted data from timeslots of the downstream serialdata stream and outputs downstream IP formatted data to the Ethernetinterface.
 16. The remote unit of claim 14, wherein the second partitionimplementing an Ethernet pipe further comprises a timeslot of themultiple-timeslot communication frame that does not carry the digitalradio frequency signal.
 17. The remote unit of claim 14, wherein theEthernet interface comprises an eight-position eight-contact modularplug.
 18. The remote unit of claim 14, wherein the serial radiofrequency module demultiplexes downlink IP formatted data and a downlinkdigital radio frequency signal from timeslots of a downlink serial datastream.
 19. A method for providing Ethernet connectivity over adistributed antenna system, the method comprising: receiving a downlinkserial data stream at a remote unit of a distributed antenna system froma host unit of the distributed antenna system, the downlink serial datastream comprising a multiple-timeslot communication frame providing afirst partition of bandwidth for transporting digitized radio frequency(RF) samples and a second partition of bandwidth for implementing anEthernet pipe for transporting internet protocol (IP) formatted data;demultiplexing the digitized RF samples from a first set of bits withina timeslot of a multiple-timeslot communication frame; anddemultiplexing the IP formatted data from a second set of bits withinsaid timeslot of the multiple-timeslot communication frame;communicating the IP formatted data to an internet protocol devicecoupled to the remote unit of the distributed antenna system; convertingthe digitized RF samples to an analog signal for wireless transmissionfrom the remote unit.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:de-multiplexing the digitized RF samples and the IP formatted data fromthe serial stream; and routing the IP formatted data to an Ethernetinterface at the remote unit.
 21. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising: demultiplexing the IP formatted data from a second set oftimeslots of the multiple-timeslot communication frame, wherein thesecond set of timeslots do not carry digitized RF samples.